Becoming ‘green’ – is it really worth the effort?

“Is there a point in recycling, reducing energy usage, saving water?”

“Can one person really make a difference?”

“If in some parts of Tower Hamlets borough there aren’t recycling bins, how a resident from Hackney with three different bins may not become sceptical about his recycling?”

“We’re told to go shopping with our own bags but then this bag is full of food wrapped in plastic packaging. Moreover, one big and low-priced superstore chain in London has loose fruits and vegetables more expensive than the ones in packaging. I can’t afford to be environmental friendly.”

These are the doubts I can hear all over London. Despite so much information in the media, adverts on the buses and phone boxes, there are still people who hesitate to believe that humans cause real damage to the environment. The fact is that humans have been changing climate through their emission of CO2 gases radicaly in recent years. Being environmentaly friendly is really easy and doesn’t have to affect highly your daily routine or your habits.

Simple examples:

• turn off running water when you brush your teeth;
• reduce heating and put on extra clothing instead;
• boil as little water as you need for your cup of tea;
• turn off the TV and computer overnight, don’t leave it on standby;
• unplug your mobile charger;
• eat more ‘greens’, less meat;
• buy recycled products;
• use energy efficient light bulbs;

These are just the basics, yet these all add up to make a big positive impact on the environment. Follow these links to find out more about how you can do your bit.

How to reduce your CO2 emissions:  www.realclimate.org

Climate change – the facts: actonco2.direct.gov.uk/actonco2

Easy ways for you to stop wasting energy: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Guide to recycling: www.recycling-guide.org.uk

Join the biggest UK’s climate change demonstration, The Wave: London, 5th December.
www.the-wave.org.uk

Photo from Flickr by CarbonNYC